Old Bridge United Methodist Church - Society and Culture

The Northern Virginia Board of Missions of the United Methodist Church began preparation for a new church in Lake Ridge in 1986 and in September of 1986 the NVBM entered into a contract for the current church site. The church parsonage at 3212 Manitoba Drive was purchased in May 1987. In June 1987, Milton Marks was appointed Pastor and the first church meeting was held at the parsonage in July 1987 with seven families attending. The first worship service was held at Springwoods Elementary School on August 30, 1987 with 106 folks sitting in child-size chairs for the service. With 53 charter members and 45 preparatory members, Old Bridge United Methodist Church was constituted at a Charge Conference on December 20, 1987 by the District Superintendent of the Alexandria District of the Virginia Conference. The congregation moved to the cafeteria of the Lake Ridge Middle School with "adult" chairs on October 22, 1989. The first Easter Sunrise Service was held on the church property on Easter Sunday, 1990.

In June 1991 James A. Hewitt, III was appointed Pastor. Official groundbreaking for the new building was held on May 16, 1993 and construction began in December. On Sunday, January 13, 1995 the wooden cross (built for the Easter Sunrise Service in 1991) was carried from Lake Ridge Middle School to the church at 3966 Old Bridge Road and the first worship service in the new building was held on January 25, 1995. Bishop Stockton consecrated the building on February 26, 1995. Adequate space for Sunday School classes soon became a problem and in 1997 trailers were added as a temporary solution. Also, in the summer of 1997 a part-time Associate Pastor, Kimberly Barker-Brugman was hired. With a membership of 535 by the end of 1996, the congregation began exploring plans for adding permanent structures to accommodate their growing needs. Paula P. Werner was appointed as our Associate Pastor in June 1999.

Currently there are two Sunday Worship Services (at 8:30a.m. and 11:00a.m.), Sunday School at 9:45a.m. and Wednesday Prayer Service at 5:30a.m. and 7:00p.m. In addition to the regular Sunday morning classes there are various Bible Study classes held on Sunday evenings and throughout the week, Middle High and Senior High Youth Fellowship and United Methodist Kids on Sunday evenings and monthly meetings of the United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men. Old Bridge UMC sponsors Boy Scout Troop 295 and Cub Scout Pack 295. The Mission projects of the church include gleaning for The Society of St. Andrew, serving at the Prince William County Homeless Shelter and the Hypothermia Unit, monthly trips into D.C. to serve the homeless, supporting needy families during the holiday season, supporting ACTS and SERVE, mentoring program at several elementary schools, and providing backpacks and school supplies to the local schools. Other programs of the church include Fellowship Groups, recreational sports teams, shepherding groups and ministries for children, youth, adults and families.

From June 2000 until June 2004, Old Bridge UMC congregation was served by two ordained Pastors, Rev. John W. Ashley and Rev. Paula P. Werner.

In June 2004, Burton C. Robinson was appointed as our Pastor. The Old Bridge UMC congregation is served by Pastor Robinson and a Team of Lay Pastors who are available for pastoral needs as well as leading the congregation in nurturing and caring for each other and the community in Christ's love and in discipleship for the mission of Jesus in our time and place.

Together, Growing in Christ.

Old Bridge United Methodist Church
3966 Old Bridge Road
Woodbridge, Virginia 22192-5006
Phone: 703-730-3895